Algorithm Engineer; C++, Image Processing, HPC)

Algorithm Engineer

KLA is seeking a talented Algorithm Engineer to join the Algorithm Group within the Reticle Product Division. This role focuses on the design, development, and deployment of advanced algorithms and software solutions for KLA's innovative inspection platforms. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in algorithm development, applied mathematics, high-performance computing, and software engineering to solve challenging technical problems and deliver robust production solutions.

The role requires strong software development skills with an emphasis on modern C++, GPU computing, and scalable algorithm implementation. The candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop technologies that improve system performance, productivity, and customer value.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize algorithms for pattern analysis, defect detection, classification, data processing, and other computational challenges in semiconductor inspection systems.
• Translate complex technical requirements into mathematical models and scalable algorithmic solutions.
• Analyze large-scale datasets and optimize algorithm performance for accuracy, robustness, and throughput.
• Research, evaluate, and apply AI technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI, to improve algorithm performance, automation, and inspection system capabilities.

Innovation and Execution

• Drive innovation by proposing novel approaches and delivering production-quality, maintainable software solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and incorporate them into product solutions where they provide measurable value.
• Collaborate with field teams and customers to support algorithm deployment and system integration, including occasional international travel.

Software Engineering

• Develop robust, scalable software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles.
• Design and implement high-performance computing solutions using CUDA C++ and GPU-accelerated algorithms.
• Optimize software performance through parallel computing, efficient memory management, and algorithmic improvements.
• Develop prototypes, analysis tools, and validation workflows using appropriate software tools and programming languages.
• Contribute to long-term code quality through architecture design, code reviews, testing, refactoring, and documentation.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Partner with hardware, optics, systems engineering, and applications teams to optimize overall system performance.
• Analyze technical trade-offs and contribute to system-level performance improvements.
• Operate independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CUDA C++, GPU programming, parallel computing, or high-performance computing architectures.
• Experience developing high-performance software for semiconductor manufacturing, inspection, metrology, computational lithography, simulation, or related technical domains.
• Familiarity with machine learning and deep learning techniques for data analysis, imaging, or classification applications.
• Experience with Python and scientific computing tools.
• Understanding of optical systems and computational imaging.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field; or
• MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in algorithm development, applied mathematics, numerical methods, image processing, computer vision, or related technical disciplines.
• Strong proficiency in modern C++ software development.
• Experience developing and optimizing complex software systems in production environments.
• Experience with performance-oriented software development on CPU and/or GPU architectures.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.